Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced strong criticism over India’s steep decline in Test cricket under current head coach Gautam Gambhir. After India endured whitewash defeats at home against New Zealand and South Africa, followed by a 1–3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shastri expressed deep disappointment at the team’s performance.
Shastri, who alongside former captain Virat Kohli transformed India into one of the most formidable travelling Test sides, said the team’s current struggles are difficult for him to watch. Under his tenure, India dominated at home—losing only two Tests between 2017 and 2021—and achieved historic overseas success, including back-to-back series wins in Australia.
Speaking in a teaser of a podcast released by Prabhat Khabar, Shastri questioned India’s sudden collapses. Referring to the Guwahati Test, he said:
“From 100/1 to 130/7 — this team is not that bad. These players have talent. They must take responsibility. You’ve played spin your whole life.”
When asked directly whether he was shielding Gautam Gambhir from criticism, Shastri rejected the claim.
“I’m not protecting him. One hundred percent he is responsible too. Agar yeh mere saath hota, main pehla responsibility leta (If this happened with me, I would have been the first to take responsibility). But I wouldn’t spare the players either in the team meeting,” he added.
India’s Test Performance Under Gambhir
Shastri’s frustration stems from India’s sharp drop in consistency after years of dominance.
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Under Shastri (2017–2021), India held the No. 1 Test ranking for 42 months, won two historic series in Australia, and reached the inaugural World Test Championship Final.
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Rahul Dravid’s tenure began slowly but eventually produced major Test series wins against Australia and England, along with another WTC final appearance.
However, under Gambhir, India have struggled to maintain momentum. In the last 14 months, India have won only two Test series—against Bangladesh and the West Indies—while suffering a series defeat in Australia, a drawn series in England, and now a heavy loss to South Africa.
With increasing scrutiny on India’s Test setup, Shastri’s candid remarks highlight growing concerns about leadership, accountability, and team direction.
